Mzansi Newspaper

10/09/2026

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC BRIT on 27 September

From dazzling performances and unforgettable journeys to glittering costumes and fierce competition, the ballroom is back as Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC BRIT this September


Johannesburg, 10 September 2026 - South African audiences can once again prepare for sequins, showstopping performances and plenty of ballroom drama as Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC BRIT (DStv Channel 120) on Sunday 27 September at 7pm.
One of the world's most successful entertainment formats returns for its 24th season with a brand-new presenting line-up, a fresh celebrity cast and five new professional dancers joining the famous Strictly ballroom.
For South African viewers, the new season brings three homegrown reasons to tune in.
Johannes Radebe steps into a major new role as co-host alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, helping to lead the show into a new era. Meanwhile, Motsi Mabuse returns to the judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke. Completing the South African representation is Lethabo Monametsi, who joins the Strictly professional dancer line-up for the first time.
A new era for Strictly
Following his hugely successful journey from professional dancer to household name, Johannes now takes centre stage as part of Strictly's first-ever three-person presenting team.
Speaking when the new presenting line-up was announced, Johannes said: "To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward."
For the first time, celebrities and professional dancers will discover their Strictly partners in front of the studio audience as part of a brand-new launch show packed with specially choreographed group performances, surprises and more dancing than ever before.
Meet the celebrity class of 2026

This year's contestants taking to the dancefloor are:
• Bethany Antonia (actor)
• Cach Mercer (Love Island winner)
• Chris Appleton (hair stylist)
• Dani Dyer (TV personality)
• Dame Sarah Storey (Paralympian)
• Delta Goodrem (singer-songwriter)
• Graeme Hall (dog trainer)
• Jaime Winstone (actor)
• John Nellis (content creator)
• Lacey Turner (actor)
• Lawrence Robb (actor)
• Melanie Walters (actor)
• Shaun Wright-Phillips (former footballer)
• Tabby Stoecker (Olympian)
• Will Best (TV and radio presenter)
New professionals join the ballroom

Five new professional dancers will make their Strictly debut this season:
• Aleksandra Isaeva
• Cristian Priori
• Lethabo Monametsi
• Maddie Ingoldsby
• Mark Karmalita
Among the newcomers is South African Latin Champion Lethabo Monametsi, who first discovered her love of dance through South Africa's own version of Strictly Come Dancing. Since then, she has won the television dance competition Dance Yo Dumo, represented South Africa internationally and built an impressive career on stage and screen.
More than a dance competition
For more than two decades, Strictly Come Dancing has created the kind of television moments audiences love to share, debate and celebrate together. Whether viewers are backing a favourite couple, disagreeing with a judge's score or predicting who might lift the Glitterball Trophy, the format continues to bring audiences together week after week.
Pierre Cloete, Vice President for Africa at BBC Studios, said: "Few shows create shared television moments quite like Strictly Come Dancing. Whether viewers are choosing favourites, debating the judges' scores or celebrating incredible performances, it remains one of television's ultimate feel-good experiences. With Johannes Radebe, Motsi Mabuse and Lethabo Monametsi all playing key roles this season, there's an extra reason for South African audiences to tune in and enjoy an unforgettable new chapter of Strictly on BBC BRIT."
With a brand-new presenting team, a fresh cast of celebrities, new professional dancers and more South African representation than ever before, the 2026 season promises another unforgettable journey to the Glitterball Trophy.
Strictly Come Dancing premieres on BBC BRIT (DStv Channel 120) on Sunday 27 September at 7pm

31/07/2026

Due to popular demand, an extra show has been added to The Greatest Love of All – A tribute to Whitney Houston, on Friday 28th August.

Whitney Houston's musical legacy is brought to life in this critically acclaimed tribute concert described as "mind-blowingly spot on." Be stunned by the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids – as seen on Britain's Got Talent, Showtime at the Apollo and winner of the BBC's Even Better Than the Real Thing.

Davids is accompanied by her live band and backing vocalists plus glorious state-of-the-art sound, lighting, vision and theatrical FX, making this a beautifully crafted tribute to one of the world's most revered singers.

"Few master it like Houston: Belinda Davids is one of them" – Houston Chronicle
"It feels like the pop diva really is in the room" – Upper Circle
"You are a star, Belinda" – London Theatre Review
"A creative triumph on every level" – Theatre People
"Effortlessly slick, superbly performed and truly professional... five stars" – The Sussex Newspaper

*Not associated with the Estate of Whitney

31/07/2026

Gallo record company and Basadi in Music Awards honour Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai with the Gallo Renaissance Award as Gallo celebrates 100 Years

In celebration of 100 years of Gallo Music, one of Africa’s most iconic and enduring music companies, Gallo Record Company, in partnership with the Basadi in Music Awards, is proud to honour Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai with a special Gallo Renaissance Award.

The award recognises women whose artistry, groundbreaking influence and unwavering commitment to African music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. As Gallo celebrates a century of preserving, promoting and championing African music, this special honour pays tribute to two extraordinary women whose voices have helped define South Africa’s musical identity.

For more than two decades, Simphiwe Dana has captivated audiences through her soulful voice, fearless storytelling, activism and commitment to preserving African heritage. Her music has consistently challenged convention while embracing authenticity, earning her recognition as one of South Africa’s most respected and celebrated artists.

Equally deserving of this honour is Thandiswa Mazwai, a cultural icon whose groundbreaking career has redefined contemporary African music. From her pioneering years with Bongo Maffin to her acclaimed solo recording career that started at Gallo, Thandiswa has remained unapologetically authentic, using her artistry to celebrate African identity while inspiring generations of musicians and music lovers globally.

Together, these remarkable women represent the resilience, creativity, era and excellence that the Gallo Renaissance Award was created to celebrate.

Hloni Modise Matau, Founder and CEO of the Basadi in Music Awards, said:“As we celebrate five years of the Basadi in Music Awards, it is a tremendous honour to partner with Gallo Music during such a historic milestone. One hundred years is a remarkable achievement that speaks to Gallo’s enduring contribution to African music and the countless artists whose stories it has helped preserve. Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai embody everything the Gallo Renaissance Award stands for: courage, excellence, authenticity and cultural impact. They have consistently used their voices to tell our stories, challenge boundaries and inspire generations of women across Africa. We are honoured to celebrate their extraordinary legacy.”

Antos Stella, speaking on behalf of Gallo Music, said: “For 100 years, Gallo Music has celebrated the artists whose music has become part of our nation’s story. As we mark this historic centenary, we are proud to honour Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai; two extraordinary artists whose contributions have enriched South Africa’s musical heritage and inspired audiences around the world. Their artistry, integrity and unwavering commitment to authentic African storytelling have earned them a place among our country’s greatest cultural icons. The Gallo Renaissance Award celebrates not only their remarkable careers, but the enduring legacy they continue to build for future generations.”


Dichaba Phalatse, Head of Video Entertainment Marketing at SABC2, said: “We believe in the power of storytelling to celebrate our identity and preserve our cultural heritage. Gallo Music's 100-year legacy is a remarkable chapter in South Africa's creative history, and it is only fitting that this milestone is commemorated by honouring two extraordinary artists whose voices have shaped our nation's soundtrack. Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai have consistently used their artistry to tell authentic African stories with courage, depth and purpose. As the broadcast home of the Basadi in Music Awards, we are proud to partner with a platform that not only celebrates excellence but also ensures that the contributions of women in music continue to inspire audiences across South Africa and the African continent for generations to come."

Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, Chief Executive Officer of Joburg City Theatres, said: "Joburg City Theatres is proud to provide a stage where South Africa's cultural icons are celebrated and their stories continue to inspire future generations. As we host the fifth anniversary of the Basadi in Music Awards, it is especially meaningful to honour Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai alongside Gallo Music's remarkable centenary. These extraordinary women have not only enriched our nation's musical landscape but have also used their artistry to preserve our heritage, challenge convention and inspire pride in African identity. We are honoured to partner with institutions that are committed to recognising excellence, preserving our cultural legacy and ensuring that the voices of African women continue to resonate for generations to come."

Manaileng Maphike, Managing Director of Maphike Inc., Legal Partner of the Basadi in Music Awards and Member of the Advisory Board, said: “Music has the power to preserve history, shape identity and inspire change. As we celebrate Gallo Music’s remarkable 100-year legacy, it is fitting that we honour two women whose artistry has become part of South Africa’s cultural fabric. Simphiwe Dana and Thandiswa Mazwai have remained fearless in their pursuit of artistic excellence, using their voices to tell authentic African stories while opening doors for generations of women who follow. The Gallo Renaissance Award is more than a recognition of achievement; it is a celebration of legacy, leadership and the enduring impact of women whose contributions will continue to influence African music for decades to come.”

The presentation of the Gallo Renaissance Award forms part of the 5th Annual Basadi in Music Awards, themed REWIND, a celebration reflecting on five years of recognising and honouring women who continue to shape the music industry.

As the Basadi in Music Awards commemorates its fifth anniversary under the campaign “Africa to the World,” this partnership with Gallo Music brings together two institutions united by a shared commitment to celebrating African excellence, preserving musical heritage and recognising the women whose contributions continue to shape the future of music on the continent.

30/07/2026

End of an Era for Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in Gauteng will conclude its operations as a residential campus at the end of the 2027 academic year, marking the end of a chapter that has shaped the lives of hundreds of young South African women over the past two decades.

The Academy was born from discussions between media icon Oprah Winfrey and former President Nelson Mandela in December 2000, when they shared a vision of providing quality education to academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Construction officially began on 6 December 2002, when Winfrey, Mandela and then Minister of Education Kader Asmal broke ground for the school.

Originally established as a public-private partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education, the Academy became an independent school on 20 August 2006. It welcomed its first group of learners in January 2007, and celebrated its inaugural matric class of 72 learners in January 2012.

Since its establishment, more than 870 young women have graduated from the Academy. Oprah Winfrey has personally invested approximately $400 million in developing and sustaining the institution through the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation.

On 29 July 2026, Winfrey announced that the residential campus will close after the 2027 academic year. In line with the original partnership agreement, the property will be returned to the Gauteng Department of Education.

Despite the closure of the campus, Winfrey confirmed that her commitment to empowering young women through education will continue. The Foundation will transition to an expanded scholarship programme that will support talented young women attending leading schools across South Africa.

"The dream was never simply to build a school," Winfrey said. "It was to invest in the limitless potential of young women."

She added that the Foundation's mission will continue by creating educational opportunities for even more girls across the country.

Winfrey also assured families that every learner currently enrolled at the Academy will complete her education with uninterrupted academic and financial support until graduation.

While the residential campus may be closing, the Academy's legacy will continue through the lives of its graduates and the expanded scholarship programme, ensuring that the vision first inspired more than two decades ago lives on.

24/07/2026

The Annual Parade – Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! – Is Back with “Arise!”, the Cry that Alerts, Gathers, Protects and Transforms

Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! returns for its seventh iteration, presented by The Windybrow Arts Centre and Shade in collaboration with organisations and artists from Johannesburg and beyond. This year’s procession happens on 8 August 2026, on the eve of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the August 9, 1956 Women’s March.

The 2026 Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! iteration is themed ARISE, taking to the skies to make a declaration against the cage and in celebration of freedom. “Just as birds migrate across lands and share messages from afar, we are taking up the airspace,” states Shade’s Tamzyn Botha, curator of the parade. “This year's theme, ARISE, looks to the seasonal journeys of birds as a provocation for freedom, communication and collective movement.”

Working with more than 350 children and young people from Hillbrow and beyond, Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! gathers handmade bird costumes, bird dances, birdsongs and street-scale imagination into a living flock. These birds are border-crossers, message-carriers, mischief-makers and freedom-dreamers. They migrate across walls, neighbours, languages, histories and streets.

According to Gerard Bester, The Market Theatre Foundation’s Head of The Windybrow Arts Centre, the Grey Go-away-bird known as the Lourie, whose sharp call warns the bushveld when danger is near, will inspire the 2026 public procession—transforming alarm into art, warning into wonder and rebellion into play. “Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! honours the power of collective voice: the cry that alerts, gathers, protects and transforms. In Hillbrow, the call becomes a chorus. The street becomes a sky. The children become birds of warning, beauty, defiance and joy.”

As hundreds of participants from local youth organisations – Dlala Nje, Shade, Dlamini Foundation, Johannesburg Society for the Blind, Innovation of Excellence, Lefika La Phodiso, Fight with Insight, MES and The Windybrow Arts Centre – flock to the streets of inner-city Jo’burg in birdlike freedom, they’ll also be paying tribute to the unbeatable spirit of the women of 1956, who marched against pass laws as cages to reclaim their freedom of movement.

In celebrating the music of freedom, the parade will end with the mighty Kebra Ethiopian Sound System.

In the lead up to the parade, The Windybrow Arts Centre has turned into a creative makerspace for all the participants. This two week multi-disciplinary, artist residency/holiday programme ranges from Textile Design with Imbali Visual Literacy, Choral Works with Sbusiso Shozi and Muzi Radebe, Physical Theatre with Philani Tenso Mahlanga and Muzi Trust, Street Art with Rivaldo Nelson, Site Specific Theatre with Gcebile Dlamini and Parade Direction with Johannesburg Mask and Movement. The sonic library made in collaboration with the participants, will inform the soundscapes curated by Jarred Parenzee and Muhammed Dawjee.

The programme also invites youth and children to shadow these artists and production teams, to co-design the works and foster intergenerational collaboration.
Come glide, fly and flutter as we celebrate in the streets and in the skies. Join the seventh iteration of Joburg’s most anticipated parade on 8 August 2026, starting from 10am at The Windybrow Arts Centre.

Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! launched in 2017 in celebration of the possibilities that public performance brings to public space; to share energy, laughter, surprise and play. This day was inspired by the life of Joburg public art super-heroine Lesley Perkes who died in 2015 and who had dreams for this place that others have continued to manifest.

The parade would not be possible without the generous support from Ekhaya CID, Badboys Security, Hillbrow Police, Assitej South Africa, Joburg Photowalkers, Craig Maarschalk, City of Johannesburg, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, BirdLife South Africa and our media partner, Johannesburg in Your Pocket.

23/07/2026

CROWNED: THE COMEDY SHUTDOWN HITS THE MARKET THEATRE STAGE Mzansi's Comedy Royalty Go Head-to-Head at the John Kani Theatre in a Winner-Takes-All Battle for R20,000 Prize and a Crown

EyeUnderM Productions and The Market Theatre, powered by the City of Joburg's Arts Alive, present CROWNED: The Comedy Shutdown, a knockout battle.

On Friday, 7 August 2026 ahead of Women's Day, the John Kani Theatre at the Market Theatre plays host to the event, bringing South Africa's most established comedic voices head-to-head with its sharpest rising talent in a battle for R20,000 and the title of champion.

Produced by EyeUnderM Productions (Mzansi Comedy Nights) and Nomad Concepts, the evening is staged as part of the Market Theatre Foundation's 50th Anniversary Programme, with the City of Johannesburg and the Market Theatre Foundation joining as presenting partners, lending the weight of one of South Africa's most storied stages to a groundbreaking comedy format. Alongside the laughs sits a genuine tribute: the Doek Challenge, honouring the women in the room and the culture they carry expressed in their stylish doek drip.

Built as a high-energy, knockout-style comedy battle, CROWNED: The Comedy Shutdown brings together sixteen of Mzansi’s finest comedians as they compete to secure a spot in the Top Four, selected by the judges. The four finalists will then advance to the knockout round, going head-to-head for the R20,000 grand prize. At this stage, the audience will also participate through a live clapometer to help decide the ultimate comedy champion. The winner takes all.

The line-up of 16 comedians battling for the crown includes Farieda, Shanray, Mfazomhlophe, Tsitsi Chiumya, Jacques Pienaar, KingSbuda, Dr Matthews, Thabiso Mhlongo, Emilio Tobias, Oscar Omuhle, Keketso Hutamo, Nhlanhla Shabangu, Nqobile Mahlangu, Sandile the Giraffe, Masibonge Mndende and Snatcho.

“Comedy is one of the most powerful tools for society’s self-reflection. It inspires pride, challenges perspectives, and shapes our cultural landscapes. Supporting initiatives such as Crowned: The Comedy Shutdown aligns with the City of Johannesburg’s mandate and reaffirms our commitment to developing the arts. As a platform for diverse artistic expression, Arts Alive is well positioned to create an enabling environment for comedy to make a meaningful contribution to the creative economy, “says Mr Vuyisile Mshudulu, Director: Arts, Culture and Heritage, City of Joburg.

Guiding the night as the host is Siphelele “Pele Pele” Mchunu, a Soweto-born comedian, actor and Jozi FM breakfast host with over 15 years in the industry and the 2019 recipient of the Savanna Audience Choice Comedy Award. Pele Pele is known for transforming raw, relatable and sometimes uncomfortably honest life experiences into comedy gold.

The competition will be adjudicated by two heavyweights of South African comedy; David Kau, one of the country’s most established stand-up comedians and a foundational figure in building platforms that launched a generation of talent. Joined by Trevor Gumbi, a multi-talented performer known for his sharp, socially conscious humour, with credits spanning Blacks Only, Comedy Central Live, and Oppikoppi to name a few.

“As part of our 50th Anniversary Programme, the Market Theatre continues to open its doors to diverse forms of storytelling and comedy remains a vital part of that ecosystem. CROWNED: The Comedy Shutdown is not just entertainment; it is a celebration of voice, community and the next generation of talent stepping onto a historic stage,” adds Greg Homann, Artistic Director of The Market Theatre Foundation.

Audience members are invited to arrive wearing their stylish doek, celebrating the heritage, identity and stories carried by women. A live, in-venue activation will crown the best doek of the night, with prizes contributed by event partners.

Keeping the energy high throughout the evening will be the dynamic female duo, DJ &NDee and DJ KayDaph, setting the tone for a vibrant and engaging experience.

Tickets are now available on Webtickets. Grab yours for R250 only to secure your seat at the CROWNED: The Comedy Shutdown before the battle sells out. Come ready not just to laugh, but to witness a crown being claimed.

23/07/2026

NANETTE CEMENTS HER PLACE AMONG AFRICA'S NEW R&B LEADERS WITH PAINFULLY HAPPY (DELUXE)

NANETTE TAPS NIGERIAN HITMAKER MBRYO FOR PAINFULLY HAPPY (DELUXE) LEAD SINGLE "TAKING ME PLACES"

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Johannesburg, Thursday, 23 July 2026 – South African contemporary R&B artist Nanette returns with Painfully Happy (Deluxe), the final chapter in the acclaimed project that explored grief, healing and emotional perseverance. Expanding the original release with five new songs, the deluxe edition captures an artist who has moved beyond survival into hope, embracing the next stage of her creative journey. While deeply personal at its core, the project also reflects Nanette's growing artistic ambition, looking beyond borders and towards a more connected future for African music.

Painfully Happy (Deluxe) broadens the emotional world introduced on the original project. Following the release of "Baggage," produced by Grammy Award winner Andre Harris, and "Ask For Nun," the deluxe edition introduces "One Life," an uplifting reminder to embrace the present, "Little Light," a deeply personal tribute to the memory of Nanette’s late aunt who inspired the album title, and "Taking Me Places," the project's focus single, which celebrates growth, possibility and trusting where life can lead. Together, the new songs transform Painfully Happy from a story of surviving past heartbreak into one of embracing the future.

"I've come to understand grief in a much deeper way; it no longer cripples me like it once did. These new songs reflect that growth. They're lighter, more hopeful, and about letting go of the pain, embracing healing, and looking forward to building a better life for myself. It feels like the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another," says Nanette.

The project's defining moment lands with "Taking Me Places," a collaboration that embodies the growing creative relationship between South Africa and Nigeria. Written during a songwriting camp at Mavin Studios in Lagos, the song brings together Nanette, acclaimed Nigerian songwriter Mbryo, and South African producers MashBeatz and Christer. Blending contemporary R&B with influences from both countries, the record celebrates cultural exchange, shared ambition and the creative possibilities that emerge when African artists work beyond borders.

"Working with Nanette was such a beautiful experience. It felt seamless, like two inseparable friends creating art without borders or restraint. The moment we wrapped that session, we knew we had something special. I'm beyond excited and can't wait to share this record with the world," says Mbryo.

That creative chemistry was evident almost immediately. Less than twenty-four hours after completing the record, Nanette and Mbryo debuted "Taking Me Places" before a packed audience at Obi's House in Lagos, where the crowd's reaction was electric. A teaser from the performance generated more than 100,000 TikTok views, offering an early glimpse of the excitement surrounding a record that resonated with audiences long before its official release.

Painfully Happy (Deluxe) continues to showcase Nanette's distinctive fusion of contemporary R&B, soul, hip-hop and subtle African influences while introducing a brighter, more hopeful sound. The additional songs preserve the emotional honesty that has become synonymous with her songwriting while revealing a greater sense of confidence, openness and possibility. Together, they complete a body of work that charts an artist's journey from emotional uncertainty towards self-acceptance, reaffirming Nanette's gift for transforming deeply personal experiences into stories with universal resonance.

As one of a new generation of women redefining contemporary African R&B, Nanette has steadily built a career grounded in authenticity, vulnerability and fearless creativity. From her self-written debut album Bad Weather, which marked the start of her journey as a producer, to acclaimed collaborations with Kelvin Momo, Blxckie, Nasty C and Tellaman, recognition through Apple Music's ALPHA campaign and Spotify's Ones to Watch, and standout performances alongside Mariah The Scientist and Ella Mai, she has consistently expanded both her artistic vision and continental reach. Through Painfully Happy (Deluxe) and the cross-border vision of "Taking Me Places," Nanette continues to position herself among the artists shaping the future of African R&B while demonstrating how meaningful collaboration is reshaping the sound of the continent.

As Painfully Happy (Deluxe) begins its journey across Africa and beyond, Nanette presents a vision of contemporary African music that is increasingly collaborative, increasingly connected and increasingly ambitious, proving that the continent's next creative movement will not be defined by borders, but by the artists willing to cross them. Through "Taking Me Places," she closes one chapter of her own journey while helping open another for African R&B itself.
https://orcd.co/phdeluxe

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22/07/2026

The Annual Parade – Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! – Is Back with “Arise!”, the Cry that Alerts, Gathers, Protects and Transforms

Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! returns for its seventh iteration, presented by The Windybrow Arts Centre and Shade in collaboration with organisations and artists from Johannesburg and beyond. This year’s procession happens on 8 August 2026, on the eve of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the August 9, 1956 Women’s March.

The 2026 Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! iteration is themed ARISE, taking to the skies to make a declaration against the cage and in celebration of freedom. “Just as birds migrate across lands and share messages from afar, we are taking up the airspace,” states Shade’s Tamzyn Botha, curator of the parade. “This year's theme, ARISE, looks to the seasonal journeys of birds as a provocation for freedom, communication and collective movement.”

Working with more than 350 children and young people from Hillbrow and beyond, Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! gathers handmade bird costumes, bird dances, birdsongs and street-scale imagination into a living flock. These birds are border-crossers, message-carriers, mischief-makers and freedom-dreamers. They migrate across walls, neighbours, languages, histories and streets.

According to Gerard Bester, The Market Theatre Foundation’s Head of The Windybrow Arts Centre, the Grey Go-away-bird known as the Lourie, whose sharp call warns the bushveld when danger is near, will inspire the 2026 public procession—transforming alarm into art, warning into wonder and rebellion into play. “Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! honours the power of collective voice: the cry that alerts, gathers, protects and transforms. In Hillbrow, the call becomes a chorus. The street becomes a sky. The children become birds of warning, beauty, defiance and joy.”

As hundreds of participants from local youth organisations – Dlala Nje, Shade, Dlamini Foundation, Johannesburg Society for the Blind, Innovation of Excellence, Lefika La Phodiso, Fight with Insight, MES and The Windybrow Arts Centre – flock to the streets of inner-city Jo’burg in birdlike freedom, they’ll also be paying tribute to the unbeatable spirit of the women of 1956, who marched against pass laws as cages to reclaim their freedom of movement.

In celebrating the music of freedom, the parade will end with the mighty Kebra Ethiopian Sound System.

In the lead up to the parade, The Windybrow Arts Centre has turned into a creative makerspace for all the participants. This two week multi-disciplinary, artist residency/holiday programme ranges from Textile Design with Imbali Visual Literacy, Choral Works with Sbusiso Shozi and Muzi Radebe, Physical Theatre with Philani Tenso Mahlanga and Muzi Trust, Street Art with Rivaldo Nelson, Site Specific Theatre with Gcebile Dlamini and Parade Direction with Johannesburg Mask and Movement. The sonic library made in collaboration with the participants, will inform the soundscapes curated by Jarred Parenzee and Muhammed Dawjee.

The programme also invites youth and children to shadow these artists and production teams, to co-design the works and foster intergenerational collaboration.
Come glide, fly and flutter as we celebrate in the streets and in the skies. Join the seventh iteration of Joburg’s most anticipated parade on 8 August 2026, starting from 10am at The Windybrow Arts Centre.

Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! launched in 2017 in celebration of the possibilities that public performance brings to public space; to share energy, laughter, surprise and play. This day was inspired by the life of Joburg public art super-heroine Lesley Perkes who died in 2015 and who had dreams for this place that others have continued to manifest.

The parade would not be possible without the generous support from Ekhaya CID, Badboys Security, Hillbrow Police, Assitej South Africa, Joburg Photowalkers, Craig Maarschalk, City of Johannesburg, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, BirdLife South Africa and our media partner, Johannesburg in Your Pocket.